March 2006 Education Raffle

Take A Chance to Win The Grand Raffle Prize Our raffle is back and it's better than ever! This year our raffle will offer 4 fabulous prizes. The raffle prizes will be awarded to the lucky holder of the winning ticket, drawn at the Fiesta de las Familias on Friday, May 19, at approximately 7:30 p.m. at Pullen Park in Raleigh. You need not be present to win. Tickets are $7 each or 3 for $15.

• Grand Prize:   $1000
  
• First Prize:     $ 500
• Second Prize: $ 250
• Third Prize:    $   50

Raffle Information and Rules

Dear Friends of Casa,

Five years ago, a group of dedicated individuals acted upon their vision of making quality Montessori education available in a public school setting.  These individuals had a firm belief in the teaching methods of Maria Montessori and a strong desire to serve the growing need for bilingual education in North Carolina.  This was the basis for the Charter grant that Casa Esperanza received from the State of North Carolina to begin our school community. 

Experience shows, however, that it is not possible to operate the school in keeping with that vision on the funding we receive from Federal, State and County sources.  This is primarily because of what is commonly referred to as the “building penalty” for Charter Schools.  Although we receive per-pupil funding similarly to a Wake County School, we do not receive a building to house the school.  This means that almost 25% of our entire operating budget goes to paying the rent on our school building.  Money spent on rent is money not spent on music and art programs, teacher training or classroom supplies (it takes almost $20,000 to equip a single classroom with Montessori materials). Recruitment and retention of high-quality Montessori teachers is of paramount importance for the success of Casa Esperanza, and all of these activities require significant funding. Therefore, we annually fundraise to strengthen our fiscal position and to  maintain all our high quality programs at their current level. year.

With this in mind, we are making an appeal to our community with our first annual fund drive and raffle.  We ask that each family sells as many tickets as they can  The prizes are:

• Grand:       $1000
  
• First:         $ 500 
  
• Second:     $ 250 
  
• Third:        $   50 
  

Our goal is to raise $15,000 in ticket sales and donations for this drive.  We believe that this is an attainable goal, but each family’s contribution is needed to reach that goal.  We would appreciate it if every family would personally participate at whatever level they are comfortable with, whether that means donating $5, buying one $7 ticket, or donating $5000; all participation is welcomed and warmly appreciated.

Thank you!  
The Casa Esperanza Fund for Education Excellence Committee

Casa Esperanza Montessori Raffle Rules

1. Each ticket costs $7.00; three tickets may be purchased for $15.00.
2. Ticket purchases are not tax-deductible.
3. Cash donations without purchase of raffle tickets are tax-deductible but not eligible for raffle prizes.
4. Purchasers of raffle tickets must be 18 years of age or older and must qualify under applicable law.
5. There is no limit to the number of tickets purchased by one family or one individual.
6. In the event of any dispute regarding this drawing and/or prize, Casa Esperanza Montessori may, in its sole discretion, refund the price of the ticket(s) in lieu of the ticket holder receiving the prize.
7. Void where prohibited.
8. A maximum of 8,000 tickets will be sold.
9. All tickets sold until time of drawing on May 19, 2006 will be eligible to win. Electronic ticket sales will close at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. Physical ticket sales will continue at the Fiesta de las Familias up until the time of drawing.
   
10. Accounting reports, detailing ticket sales will be certified by a certified public accountant.
    
11. The drawing will be held at Casa Esperanza’s Fiesta de las Familias at Pullen Park in Raleigh on Friday, May 19, 2005 at or around 7:30 p.m. 
    
12. You need not be present to win.
13. Winners who are not present at the drawing will be notified by phone by May 22, 2006 or by letter dated May 22, 2006.
14. Winner must show proper identification and complete a W9 tax form to claim the $1000 Grand Prize.
15. Winners will assume and be responsible for all local, state and federal taxes, including, without limitation, all applicable income and special taxes.
16. Persons may share a ticket, and more than one name may appear on the ticket. The prize will be issued to the first person (over age 18) listed on the entry.
17. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission to use winner’s name and photograph in website promotions and for other promotional purposes, unless prohibited by law.
18. Casa Esperanza Montessori board members, advisors, employees and their family members are eligible to enter and win prizes by purchasing a raffle ticket.
19. Casa Esperanza Montessori reserves the right to cancel this raffle, at any time, and return all proceeds from ticket sales to the rightful purchasers.
20. Casa Esperanza Montessori must sell at least 500 tickets for the raffle to proceed. If less than 500 tickets are sold, the raffle will be canceled and Casa Esperanza Montessori will return all proceeds from ticket sales to the rightful purchasers.
21. The net proceeds are used to support educational curriculum costs of Casa Esperanza Montessori, making this raffle a good cause.
22. We are an independent preschool and public charter school, serving children ages three through grade six. The school opened in 2003 and educates over 250 students each year. Casa Esperanza Montessori is a 501(c)3 non-profit, educational organization.